I shall briefly acquaint the reader with what relieved me against this objection, and gave me satisfaction in the publishing of this part of the Exposition after it was finished. For I could not but remember that the times and seasons wherein the former parts of it were published were very little more settled and quiet than are these which are now urgent on us; yet did not this hinder but they have been of some use and benefit unto the church of God in this nation, and others also. And who knows but this may have the same blessing accompanying of it? He who hath supplied seed to the sower, can multiply the seed sown and increase the fruits of it; and although at present the most are really unconcerned in things of this nature, yet not a few, from many parts both at home and abroad, have ear- nestly solicited the continuation of the Exposition, at least unto that period where- unto it is arrived.
Besides, in labours and endeavours of this nature, respect is not had merely unto the present generation, especially as many are filled with prejudices and causeless enmity against the author of them. We have ourselves more benefit and advantage by the writings of sundry persons in former ages, than they received by them who lived in their own days.
“ Pascitur in vivis livor, post fata quiescit.”
It is therefore the duty of some in every age to commit over, unto those that shall survive in the church of God and profession of the truth, their knowledge in the mysteries of the gospel; whereby spiritual light may be more and more in- creased unto the perfect day.
On these and the like considerations I have wholly left these times and seasons in His hand who hath the sole disposal of them; and will not so far observe the present blustering wind and clouds as not to sow this seed, or despair of reaping - fruits thereby.
2. The reader will find no Exercitations prefixed unto this volume, as there are unto the former. And this is so fallen out, not because there were no things of weight or moment occurring in these chapters deserving a separate, peculiar hand- ling and consideration, but for other reasons, which made the omission of them necessary and unavoidable; for indeed continued infirmities and weaknesses, in my near approach unto the grave, rendered me insufficient for that labour, especially considering what other duties have been, and yet are, incumbent on me. And yet also my choice was compliant with this necessity ; for I found that this part of the Exposition comprising so many chapters, and those all of them filled with glorious
20 THE PREFACE TO THE READER.
mysteries, and things of the highest importance unto our faith and obedience, would arise unto a greatness disproportionate unto the former, had it been accom- panied with the like Exercitations. Whereas, therefore, I foresaw from the be- ginning that they must be omitted, I did treat somewhat more fully of those things which should have been the subject of them than otherwise the nature of an Exposition doth require. Such are the person and office of Melchizedek; the nature of the Aaronical priesthood, and of the priesthood of Christ as typed thereby ; the framing of the tabernacle, with all its vessels and utensils, with their use and signification ; the solemnity of the covenant made at Sinai, with the differ- ence between the two covenants, the old and the new; the manner of the service of the high priest on the day of expiation, with his entrance into the most holy place; the cessation, expiration, or abrogation, of the first covenant, with all the services thereunto belonging; with sundry other things of the like importance. Whereas, therefore, these must have been the subject of such Exercitations as might have been prefixed unto this part of the Exposition, the reader will find them handled somewhat at large in the respective places wherein they do oceur in the Epistle itself.
3. Concerning the subject-matter of these chapters I desire the reader to take notice,—
(1.) That the whole substance of the doctrinal part of the Epistle is contained in them; so as that there is nothing of difficulty, in the whole case managed by the apostle, but is largely treated of in these chapters.
(2.) That they do contain a full declaration of that “ mystery which from the beginning of the world was hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ ;” to the intent that even unto the “principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.” In parti- cular,—
[1.] The wisdom and grace of God in the constitution and making of the cove- nant at Sinai; in the institution of all the worship and divine services thereunto belonging ; in the holy fabrics, offerings, and sacrifices of the priests and church of Israel,—are declared and manifested therein: for all these things in themselves were carnal, and so used by the generality of the people, in a way unworthy of the wisdom and holiness of God; but the apostle declares and makes it evident, in these chapters, that, in the design and intention of God, they had all of them an end and use far more glorious than what appeared in their outward adminis- tration ; as also what intimations God made unto the church of this end of them, and his intention in them.